Singapore moves at full speed, a city where ambition fuels its energy and progress shapes its skyline. Yet, even in the midst of its fast-paced rhythm, its people know how to savor the moment, embracing a cocktail culture that is both sophisticated and daring. From the opulent grandeur of Atlas Bar to the intimate atmosphere of Night Hawk, and the ethically driven concepts of Native and Fura, the city’s cocktail scene offers a multitude of experiences, each crafted to delight and surprise.
Jigger & Pony, a First Taste Of Singapore’s Mixology Scene
For those seeking a first taste of Singapore’s mixology landscape, Jigger & Pony is the natural starting point. Nestled within the Amara Hotel in Tanjong Pagar, this bar has spent thirteen years at the forefront of the industry, collecting international accolades under the leadership of Indra Kantono and Guoyi Gan — partners in both business and life. At the helm of the creative vision stands Uno Jang, whose time is split between globetrotting and curating an exceptional guest experience. Designed as a magazine-style menu, Jigger & Pony’s offerings balance signature creations with impeccably crafted classics, all overseen by bar manager Saverio Casella. Guests can settle into the main lounge, where the bar’s sleek design invites conversation, or retreat upstairs to a more intimate enclave.
Sugarhall, For a Sensory and Exotic Journey in Singapore
For rum aficionados, Sugarhall, located in the Central Business District, is a hidden gem dedicated to the artistry of sugarcane spirits. Each drink at this rum-focused cocktail bar is a sensory journey, evoking exotic destinations through vintage-inspired illustrations reminiscent of old travel postcards.
The “Cocktail Getaway” menu transforms geography into mixology, with cocktails such as the Soufflé Espresso Martini — a sophisticated twist on a classic, blending rum, cold brew coffee, and a light dalgona foam, conjuring the sensation of a hot-air balloon ride at sunset. Those seeking a more communal experience can opt for punch bowls, like the One Punch Rum, a vibrant mix of rum, passion fruit, coconut, and tropical spices. For a deeper appreciation of rum’s diverse expressions, Rum Flights offer a curated tasting journey, while the Captain’s List presents rare and vintage bottles, each a testament to the spirit’s evolving character.
Minimalist Design and Understated Elegance at Live Twice
At Bukit Pasoh Road, Live Twice transports cocktail lovers into a bygone era, where minimalist design and understated elegance meet the quiet sophistication of post-war Japan. Inspired by Ian Fleming’s novel “You Only Live Twice”, the bar is an intimate retreat, inviting guests to shed the day’s formalities and embrace their most authentic selves. The threefold menu, a tribute to the Japanese tradition of shokunin craftsmanship, presents both classics and innovative twists. Among them, the Mizuwari, a delicately layered drink featuring a blend of Japanese whiskies aged in a traditional ceramic tsubo, is a must-try, best paired with the Wagyu Katsu Sando — a decadent sandwich with a heart of premium beef — or the Wagyu Curry Rice Bowl, where tender slices of wagyu rest atop short-grain Haenuki rice, bathed in a rich, aromatic curry.
Best cocktail bars in Singapore: Gibson
Climbing the stairs of the same heritage building, one finds Gibson, another gem from the Jigger & Pony Group, dedicated to the simple joy of sharing a drink. The bar’s signature glass-paneled walls and warm Louis Poulsen lighting create an ambiance that is equal parts sophisticated and inviting. Since opening in 2016, Gibson has earned a place among the most celebrated bars in Singapore, thanks to a team that delivers impeccable yet relaxed service.
Leading the charge is Martin Villareal, whose effortlessly stylish presence — often seen pairing a tailored blazer with casual shorts — adds to the bar’s charm. A visit would be incomplete without trying the Gibson Martini, served at an icy -15°C, accompanied by a curated trio of garnishes: pickled onion, Chinese artichoke, and smoked quail egg. Everevolving yet effortlessly refined, Singapore’s cocktail scene is a perfect marriage of technical mastery, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality. From grand institutions of mixology to niche, boundary-pushing concepts, each bar offers more than just a drink — it crafts an experience. Every sip is a journey, every cocktail a story, and every night an invitation to explore new liquid horizons in a city that never ceases to inspire.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
